Soccer betting proved to work in my favor for once, as Tunisia kept the score down and Venezuela continued to fire blanks, allowing me to finish with a 4-1 record despite a lack of games on the slate.
Today, I’ve really got to get creative, because all we’ve got is CONCACAF matches and hockey for the sports I decide to bet. But we’ll try to keep the momentum going as we head into the final World Cup qualifying matches of the cycle. Here are my best plays for March 30.
COSTA RICA-UNITED STATES BTTS, +110
There is no pressure on the United States, because they will qualify with any result short of a six-goal loss to the Ticos. So I don’t see the U.S. sitting back and trying to play for a 0-0 draw here, even though they rarely have success in San Jose. Costa Rica has no choice but to go for it, as it could qualify with a two-goal win and a Mexico defeat at the expense of El Tri, so I expect both teams will find the net in this one.
PANAMA-CANADA “NO” on BTTS, -130
The opposite situation exists in Panama: the Canaleros have nothing to play for and the Reds have already qualified for the World Cup. As such, this one looks like a rather dull affair that will be lucky to see more than one goal find the net. Canada have never won on Panamanian soil and has failed to score in its past three matchups with Panama, so there’s a good chance someone’s going to get shut out here. I wouldn’t put it past them to play out a scoreless draw at +700.
JAMAICA ML, +100
This qualification cycle has been a nightmare for the Reggae Boyz, who had to deal with most of their best players sidelined for COVID concerns and then couldn’t catch up to the giants of CONCACAF. However, with Honduras winless on the road, Jamaica can still end the cycle with a win at the Office and generate some momentum.
MEXICO AND U3.5, -115
Mexico shouldn’t be in any trouble in this match. El Salvador has played a decent campaign, but it doesn’t belong on the same pitch as El Tri at the Azteca, and I think Mexico will put this game to bed rather easily. If the Mexicans lose, they would be at risk of dropping to the playoff, but that would be quite the stunner.
BLUES-CANUCKS U6, -110
Five of the past six matchups between these teams played out with five goals or fewer, including the one they just played out in St. Louis on Monday. I think this will be another low-scoring showdown.
